Fueling the Day: Jim’s Morning Drinks for Energy & Balance
Here’s to good mornings, wise husbands, and delightful tea blends.
When we posted a picture of Jim and his mason jars on Linked In, the response was overwhelming. Everyone wanted to know what he was drinking — and why he was drinking them. The truth is, these drinks aren’t complicated. They’re simple, intentional, and tailored to give his body exactly what it needs.
A few years ago, my husband Jim hit a wall, actually it’s more than fair to say that he slammed into it. He was exhausted, stressed, and running on empty — physically and mentally. The kind of burnout that creeps up slowly until suddenly, you realize you’re completely depleted. Coffee laced with sugary syrups was his crutch at the time, but instead of helping, it was making things worse — fueling the jitters, disrupting his sleep, and sending his energy levels crashing mid-morning.
That’s when we started to rethink his daily routine. Instead of relying on quick hits of caffeine and sugar, Jim began experimenting with teas, functional nutritious ingredients, and nutrient-rich blends to support his energy and focus in a more balanced way. It wasn’t an overnight shift, but over time, this new habit became the foundation for better energy, clearer focus, and a steadier mood. Now, Jim’s lineup of daily drinks isn’t just a replacement for coffee — it’s a thoughtful ritual that keeps him feeling strong and balanced throughout the day.
Jim’s system is straightforward but thoughtful. Once or twice a week, he sets up about eight 3-cup mason jars on the counter and brews a mix of teas and herbal blends. Each jar makes about two servings, so he’s covered for the week.
Here’s what’s in the rotation:
• Spearmint + Cinnamon Tea – Cooling and refreshing from the spearmint, balanced by the warming spice of cinnamon. It’s a soothing blend that helps with digestion and blood sugar balance.
• Earl Grey Tea – The familiar citrusy edge of bergamot makes this one of Jim’s comfort drinks. It’s perfect with a splash of plant milk for a creamy, slightly floral taste.
• Licorice Root + Dandelion Tea – This blend supports digestion and liver health. Licorice root naturally sweetens the tea, balancing out the slight bitterness of dandelion.
• Blue Lotus Chai – He rotates between the Traditional Masala Chai and Matcha Masala Chai from Blue Lotus. Each 3-cup jar gets about 3 ½ scoops of chai powder, which makes a rich, spiced base that pairs beautifully with plant milk.
• Jasmine Green Tea – This is his latest addition and possibly his favorite. Jasmine green tea is high in antioxidants and has a light, calming floral taste. It gives a gentle lift without the crash that comes with coffee.
His preparation method is really simple and consistent:
1. Boil the water (we always use filtered water).
2. Add the tea or chai powder (3 ½ scoops for the chai) to the mason jars.
3. Add a couple of droppers full of sweetener (more on that below).
4. Fill each jar only half way. This makes the boiled water go further, you can just add water once it has been steeped or whisked.
5. For the chai or matcha blends he uses a handheld whisker to stir in the powder.
6. Add in water to top them off and let them cool, then store them in the fridge.
When he’s ready for a drink, he:
• Fills a glass or tumbler with ice.
• Pours about half of the mason jar into the glass.
• Adds plant milk — usually cashew, almond, or soy (unsweetened, always).
• Adjusts the sweetness with Stevia if needed — and that’s it.
A Thoughtful Approach to Sweeteners
Jim avoids sugar altogether now — not because he’s counting calories, but because he’s learned how sugar drains his energy and leaves him feeling sluggish. He’s experimented with different sweeteners and has settled on a few that give him the sweetness he likes without the spike and crash that sugar brings.
Stevia – Jim’s go-to sweetener. He prefers the liquid version for its clean taste and the fact that it doesn’t affect his blood sugar. When I have fresh stevia growing in the garden, I’ll dry and powder the leaves for him. He loves the fresh taste, especially in creamy drinks.
Honey – He’ll use honey occasionally, but it’s more of a treat since it raises blood sugar quickly.
Maple Syrup – Like honey, maple syrup is for special occasions. It gives a beautiful richness to chai or spiced teas, but he uses it more sparingly than honey.
Monk Fruit – A good alternative to stevia for people who don’t like the taste. Jim doesn’t love it, but it’s there as a backup.
🚫 Erythritol – This one’s off the list completely. There have been some concerns about erythritol’s impact on heart health, so we steer clear of it altogether. You may know it as Swerve.
Besides these teas that he drinks every day, every morning, Jim makes himself a drink that fuels his energy and supports his health after he works out.
He mixes:
• A scoop of beet powder – Boosts nitric oxide levels and supports cardiovascular health.
• A scoop of collagen powder – Supports skin, joints, and muscle recovery.
• A scoop of MCT powder – Provides quick, sustained energy (though it’s worth noting that if triglycerides are high, MCT should be used in moderation).
. A scoop of organic cocoa and whey based protein powder sweetened with stevia.
• A dash of cinnamon – Helps regulate blood sugar.
• Plant milk – He sticks to unsweetened varieties without added ingredients, usually cashew or almond.
• A handful of ice
He blends it all together until it’s creamy and smooth. The beet powder gives it a gorgeous pink color, and the cinnamon adds just enough warmth and sweetness.
Jim’s drinks work because they’re not just about flavor — they’re built to support his body and mind. Here’s what’s happening behind the scenes:
• Blood Sugar Balance – Licorice root, cinnamon, and chai spices help keep blood sugar steady throughout the day.
• Digestive Health – Dandelion and spearmint support digestion and reduce bloating.
• Stress and Focus – The amino acid L-theanine in the jasmine green tea helps calm the mind while improving focus.
• Metabolism and Energy – MCT powder and green tea give a natural lift without the spike and crash of coffee.
• Heart Health – Beet powder and jasmine green tea are rich in compounds that support circulation and cardiovascular function.
The jasmine green tea has been the most surprising addition to Jim’s lineup. It’s always been my favorite, but it’s floral and I was surprised when he took a liking to it. It has just enough caffeine to sharpen focus without making him feel jittery. Plus, the floral notes from jasmine make it feel like a treat — smooth, refreshing, and sophisticated.
Green tea is also packed with catechins — powerful antioxidants that support heart health and reduce inflammation. The combination of L-theanine and caffeine creates a state of calm alertness — exactly the kind of balance you want.
What’s most remarkable is that Jim doesn’t miss coffee anymore. The combination of teas and functional ingredients gives him sustained energy, clear focus, and better digestion. No jitters. No crashes. No trouble sleeping.
One last thing. Green and black teas can be dehydrating. Always drink some plain water alongside your caffeinated teas or any herb tea that has a diuretic effect ( Here’s looking at you dandelion!)
This shift has also made him more mindful of how he starts his day — setting a calmer tone that carries through the rest of his day. And honestly, watching him embrace this has been inspiring for me too. I have almost completely (maybe once a month I give in!) given up coffee, and I feel really energized in a way that I haven’t in quite a few years.
Maybe the magic of this isn’t the drinks themselves — maybe it’s the ritual. The act of preparing them, choosing the right ingredients, and creating a drink that feels indulgent but deeply nourishing.
If you’re feeling inspired, try one of his combinations for yourself. Or better yet, come up with your own and feel free to share them!
Because sometimes the most profound shifts begin with the simplest choices.
With affection always,
Beth
A Note on Herbs
Herbs are powerful allies, but they’re not one-size-fits-all. If you have underlying health issues or are on medication, check with your doctor before adding herbal teas or supplements to your routine.
